DHAKA:President Mohammed Shahabuddin is likely to resign soon, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The possibility of his resignation has gained momentum in recent weeks. Shahabuddin, who took office in April 2023, is the only person still holding a top constitutional position from before the mass uprising in July 2024.
According to the sources, Shahabuddin spoke by phone with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a visit to London for medical treatment in May. Hasina has been living in exile in India since July 2024.
The president travelled to London on May 9 and returned on May 18.
The sources claimed intelligence agencies later learned about the conversation, after which a message was conveyed to Shahabuddin suggesting that he step down.
However, a senior BNP leader said the reported phone conversation was not the only reason behind the expected resignation, describing the matter as “more complex”.
The leader said the political situation had become more sensitive after Hasina recently announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December.
On July 10, Reuters reported that Hasina, who faces a death sentence in Bangladesh and whose party’s activities have been banned, said she and senior Awami League leaders planned to return from exile in India around December and surrender.
Sources also said authorities had been monitoring efforts by some Awami League leaders inside the country to reorganise the party.
A senior BNP leader said the expected resignation would send a clear message that the government was closely monitoring developments and would take a firm stance against activities that could destabilise law and order.
On July 17, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the relevant authorities during a Cabinet meeting to strengthen the ongoing drive against the Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League and other affiliated organisations.
Sources said no final decision had yet been made on when Shahabuddin might resign or who could succeed him.
Shahabuddin was sworn in as Bangladesh’s 22nd president on April 24, 2023.
On Dec 12, 2025, during the tenure of the interim government, Shahabuddin said he intended to step down midway through his term after the February parliamentary election, adding that he had felt humiliated by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
After the BNP-led government assumed office, Shahabuddin said in a newspaper interview on Feb 24 this year that he would remain in office if the government wanted him to stay but would resign voluntarily if it preferred his departure.
Under the Constitution, if the president resigns, the speaker of Parliament will serve as acting president until a new president is elected.
A high-level government source told The Daily Star that Shahabuddin’s departure would be a natural development.
“It is only natural that he will not remain, whether today or tomorrow,” the source said.
Asked why the issue had resurfaced, the source said the government was displeased by reports that the president had been attempting to re-establish old contacts.
Keeping a pre-uprising figure in the country’s highest constitutional office was no longer considered prudent, the source added.
A source close to Bangabhaban said: “I am hearing that a decision may come within a day or two.”
The Bangabhaban source pointed out that the president had a meeting scheduled for July 29 with the non-resident ambassadors of four countries. – The Daily Star/ANN
